When I bought my 8 gear Swift, I wasn't sure whether I would have enough gears after switching from my 20 speed road bikes. In practise I have found 8 gears to be fine. I did fit a new cassette of sprockets to lower the ratios (I live in a very hilly area) but I don't think I have ever used the full range on a ride. Don't get hung up on the number of gears - if the hill beats you, just walk it and enjoy the freewheel down the other side!